Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1961 Triumph Herald 1200
Channel 4 future star
Estimate
£3, 000 - £4, 000
Registration No: XFO 908
Chassis No: GA14019DL
MOT: Exempt
Previously owned, and hand-painted by Scottish artist Craigie Aitchison
Presented in an unusual combination of Pink and White with matching interior
An exciting opportunity for a vehicle with an interesting history
Launched in April 1959, the Herald was the first Standard-Triumph to utilise the company's new generation separate chassis platform (which would later underpin the Spitfire, GT6 and Vitesse). Blessed with elegant lines, courtesy of Giovanni Michelotti, the model featured all-round independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. An accomplished town car, criticism as to its lack of pace was answered by the introduction of the '1200' during April 1961. Powered by an 1147cc four-cylinder OHV engine that developed 39bhp (boosted to 48bhp from 1963), it was capable of 75mph. Visually distinguished by a new laminate dashboard and rubber-covered bumpers, the 1200 could be had in saloon, coupe and estate guises.
First registered in June 1961, this Triumph Herald 1200 has a rather interesting history, notably owned by the artist Craigie Aitchison. As an artist, his work was notable for crucifixion scenes, small dogs, horses, and still lifes. Similar to painters as varied as Piero della Francesca, Milton Avery, and William Blake, Aitchison’s paintings have a mystical quality. Born on January 13, 1926 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, he studied law at Edinburgh University before attending the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Aitchison was known to drive around London in his Triumph Herald, which he had hand-painted Pink and White, alongside his Bedlington terriers in the back of the car. These terriers were a staple of his work.
Purchased from the Craigie Aitchison estate sale in 2012, the next owner would keep the ‘XFO 908’ for six years, and the following owner for two before that, it was acquired by the current owner on 26th July 2020. Following its purchase, the car joined another Herald with its owner, who had the interior reupholstered to match the paintwork. Last serviced in March 2024 and in current ownership for the last four years, ‘XFO 908’ would benefit from some attention to bring it back to its former glory. Overall, this presents an opportunity to acquire an example of this much-loved model with an interesting history.
